Includes index.

Getting familiar with computer basics. Discover the computer ; Benefits of using a computer ; What you can do with a computer ; Types of computers ; Tour the personal computer ; Learn about computer hardware and software ; Get to know data input devices ; Get acquainted with data output devices ; Learn about the operating system ; Tour the central processing unit ; Understanding memory ; Learn about data storage -- Purchasing a computer. Choose a computer type ; Select a CPU ; Choose an edition of Windows ; Determine how much RAM you need ; Select data storage options ; Choose a monitor and video card ; Choose a printer ; Add other hardware and software ; Tips on purchase considerations -- Getting started with your computer. Set up your work area ; Connect the computer components ; Turn on the computer for the first time ; Use a keyboard ; Use a mouse ; Explore mouse types ; Use an optical drive ; Use a USB storage device ; Restart the computer ; Turn off the computer -- Learning Windows 7 basics. Explore the Windows 7 screen ; Understanding the start menu ; Start a program ; Tour a program window ; Select a command using the ribbon ; Select a command using a menu or toolbar ; Understanding dialog box options ; Use dialog box controls ; Save a document ; Open a document ; Switch between open programs ; Print a document ; Edit document text ; Start frequently used programs ; Customize the start menu ; Customize the taskbar ; Select a desktop theme and screen saver -- Managing files and folders. Understanding how Windows organizes data ; View files ; Become familiar with the Windows Explorer screen ; Select files ; Create a new folder ; Change the Windows Explorer layout ; Rename a file ; Copy a file ; Move a file ; Create a data CD or DVD ; Delete a file ; Restore a deleted file ; Search for a file -- Securing Windows 7. Secure your computer ; Change the logon password ; Establish parental controls ; Check the action center ; Prevent others from using your computer -- Working with software. Install a program ; Uninstall a program ; Create documents with a word processor ; Crunch numbers with a spreadsheet ; Build presentations with a presentation program ; Store information with a database ; Manipulate pictures with an image editor ; Create publications with a desktop-publishing program -- Using multimedia. How digital cameras work ; How webcams work ; How digital audio players work ; Understanding digital images ; Understanding digital video ; Understanding digital audio ; Copy music CD tracks to your computer ; Play music using your computer ; Create a music CD ; Discover gaming ; Windows 7 games -- Working with portable computers and devices. Understand the advantages of a portable computer ; Discover portable devices ; Synchronize using a Blackberry Smartphone ; Synchronize using an iPod -- Surfing the world wide web. Introduction to the Internet ; Explore Internet connections ; Manually establish an Internet connection ; Guard against Internet intruders ; World wide web basics ; Learn about web browsers ; Search the web ; Read news on the web ; Research using the web ; Buy and sell on the web ; Socialize on the web ; Protect yourself on the web ; Protect your children on the web ; Protect your browsing privacy -- Communicating online. Introduction to e-mail ; Discover e-mail addresses ; Compose an e-mail message ; Learn about e-mail etiquette ; Receive an e-mail message ; Reduce e-mail spam ; Guard against e-mail viruses -- Wireless computing. Discover wireless computing ; Wireless computing devices ; Connect to a wireless network ; Wireless network security ; Stream media throughout your home -- Performing computer maintenance. Update your operating system ; Determine hard drive free space ; Check your hard drive for errors ; Defragment your hard drive ; Clean up your hard drive ; Back up your files ; Restore a backup.

Presents introductory information about personal computers, discussing the basics of Windows 7 and covering such topics as how to use e-mail, manage files and folders, access the Internet, create documents, play digital audio, and perform computer maintenance.